Meditation, at least in the form made popular by Transcendental Meditation and most other popular schools, helps us to relax mentally and in this way reduce stress. That truly is a good thing because so many of us are stressed out just about all the time. But, while removing stress can improve our health, there is the other side of the coin to consider. And, as for the idea that meditation will somehow cause spiritual enlightenment, there is little if any evidence to back up that claim. Millions and millions of people are meditating on a regular basis, yet few have become enlightened to any significant degree unless they are following additional, more advanced, spiritual growth techniques along with the meditation.

    While some benefits are possible with meditation, there is also the negative side to consider. On the physical and mental side of things, while it can be helpful, there is also the problem that regular meditation tends to make people very passive. Being more passive can be helpful for people who are too aggressive, but for most of us, it isn't. Of course being peaceful and tolerant is a good thing, but not passive to the point of becoming sheep and slaves. There is a good reason why many governments these days are promoting meditation. Meditators are not likely to protest, to object when their rights are violated, or taken away entirely, or to rise up to protect others being attacked by the government for political reasons. And if you are trying to grow spiritually, relying solely on meditation to accomplish that is a waste of your time.